Determinants of Women's Informal Employment in Kyrgyzstan: The Interplay of Socio-Demographic Factors And Caregiving Responsibilities

Abstract

This thesis delves into the determinants of informal employment among working women in Kyrgyzstan, employing data from the Life in Kyrgyzstan Survey conducted in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2019. With a significant portion of Kyrgyzstan's labor market characterized by informality, understanding its determinants, especially for women, becomes paramount. Through a rigorous empirical analysis, this research focuses on the role of socio-demographic characteristics such as age, marital status, education, location, household size, and particularly the role of motherhood. Preliminary findings indicate a nuanced relationship between these determinants and the propensity for women to engage in informal employment. Specifically, women with caregiving responsibilities, highlighted by those with small children, exhibit a higher likelihood of engaging in informal roles, suggesting that flexibility offered by informality becomes a compensating factor for caregiving burdens. By highlighting these dynamics, this study aims to inform policymaking, advocating for support structures that could aid women in accessing the benefits of formal employment.